FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
June 29, 2023

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria today signed the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which received final approval by the City Council on Tuesday.

“As leaders of this city, it is our duty to find solutions that strike a balance between supporting the most vulnerable among us and getting them the care they need and maintaining the safety and quality of life for all residents,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This Unsafe Camping Ordinance strikes that appropriate and necessary balance, and it’s why I have signed it into law. I’m grateful to Councilmember Stephen Whitburn for his leadership on this issue.”

The new law prohibits homeless encampments in all public spaces if a shelter bed is available and prohibits encampments in certain sensitive areas – such as in parks and canyons and near schools, homeless shelters and transit stations – regardless of shelter availability.

“I want to thank Mayor Gloria for his partnership on this measure and for swiftly signing this common-sense ordinance into law,” said City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. “Today, our neighborhoods are another step closer to becoming safer and healthier. San Diego is taking the lead in enacting reasonable regulations that will move people out of encampments and into shelter and housing.”

The law will take effect on July 29. Education, outreach and enforcement will begin immediately thereafter.

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